3rd Fixture: August 28, 2010 - Chelsea FC vs. Stoke City

2 matches in and 6 different scorers... unreal.

 

Here's a crazy prediction...6-0

 

bs fs+ channel....

i guess i'll try to watch it on my phone before my friends wedding lol

 

We've been spoiled with goals in our last few league games dating to last season. No possible way we can keep this trend going for much longer...but something in me wouldn't just be content with a win. I want a 3-0 at least to satiate my goal-lust .

 

I don't know who made up the schedule, but I think we might have the easiest 5 game to a beginning of a season I have ever seen. Those might be the 5 worst teams in the league. Might as well pile up points and goals while we can.

 

same here. Not 6-0 as that is not going to happen against Stoke which by now is a stable middle of the pack team but something like 3-0.

Anyone else want to guess the scoreline?

 

The team picks itself, but I'd, match permitting, like to see Zirkov, Ramires and Sturridge get 30 or more minutes, I would not mind seeing Sturridge start and bring in Anelka* if needed, but don't expect that..

*not a slight against Anelka, just want to see what he can do from the go

 

I'm not taking them lightly.

 

Think its dangerous to not start Anelka for the simple fact that when we do need him he will be wandering around the other teams bench, the sky boxes, the stands, the blimp hovering over the stadium.............

 

Still rather see what Sturridge could do there before things get tougher, also think Stoke, would be a bit susceptible to his pace, and to stretching the field wider, though that is not his forte either and yes I know Anelka is very speedy but the thing is he does not play "fast" unless he is playing off someones shoulder to beat a trap or racing to the ball. And again for every one, this is not a slight against Anelka , who is playing well, or how well we are playing, just a hope to blood players we will need as the year goes on. Starting is different than mop-up, which is not to say I do not expect a very tough battle...(who me defensive)...

Also I do wonder if Ramires, can't do a Maloudish right of the top 3 thing, seen him do some of that, might be worth a late look there.

 

Can I get a Sunday game? Jay-sus!

 

Suck it Lamps.

 

But not as a RW, so he wouldn't really be useful playing in Anelka's spot.

He is best playing Essien's position at RCM. Only problem is that to accommodate him, Essien will have to be moved to JOM's position with JOM having to sit out, or Essien would have to be benched all together which isn't really going to happen is it?

 

The previous two games have been favorable for people on the east coast . I still woke up too late

 

Ok I am going to have a minor rant as befits a grumpy old sod. I would like to point out in advance that as this is a rant rather than a rational reply you may find some of the terms used offensive, tuff!

Firstly: Reading the above posts a phrase involving chickens and eggs comes to mind, Stoke are a perfectly respectable mid table side and as such are always capable of beating anyone on the day.

Secondly: What is this cult of youth all about? As a person who is older than 12, I can testify that people over the age of 20 do not immediately loose all their mental and physical capacities and with modern training and nutritional regimes can still manage to stand up even at the advanced age of 40.

I am all for letting some of the rug rats have a play in the sandbox once we are well ahead but I am totally against starting them in anything other than the carling cup against a league 2 side, and then only if I am in a good mood which is extremely unlikely.

Ok normal service has been resumed.

 

I think (barring injuries) that we'll start the same team as against Wigan. Is Ivanovitch fit ? 'Looking forward to see Ramires play for the first time. IMO it will be JOM who will give way for the Brazilian earlier rather than later in the game, providing we've already cracked in the goals.

Scoreline ? Hmmm...I'd like to see us up and running earlier than the 35 mins. it took us last week. Stoke are unpredictable at times, but we're at home so I'm going for 3-1.

 

+1

Carlo isn't really one to change a winning formula and I also think we will see the same team trotted out, and if we do have a healthy lead going into the 2nd half then Ramires will be substituted in for Mikel, moving into RCM with Essien moving back into DM. That's what I feel will happen if Ramires does not end up starting.